Both units are good, have very different roles and ethos. As per MSR, visit them both.

Duke

PS I am biased, but 4 Para have a clearly defined role, strong links with the regular battalions, great operational experience and a recognised selection process. The HAC have their own selection process which is demanding but not well recognised and seem to be struggling with their role a little (IMHO).

They have their own selection process involving lots of walking about on hills. They have some PSIs from SF, and as such occasionally present themselves as "SF Lite" with lots of talk of blades and sabre Squadrons. However, because this is an internal process and not know to many, the fact that you had passed HAC selection would not be recognised by many in the wider army as something of note.

More longwinded, and less PC, but i hope this meets your obviously exacting standards.

The boys in an individual unit may not have scoobies on the HAC role, but the commanders do. And at the end of the day who do we all answer to? It isnt about 'how hard I look'.

I am biased.

I would say HAC through and through, but I would agree and say go and have a look at both.

I found I prefered the grown up attitude to soldiering at the HAC better than the one I found at 10 Para, but that is by the by.

Phys wise they are very similar, with I would say the HAC coming out at being harder due to role training (selection)

If you fail P Coy, it is very doubtful if you would manage HAC selection. Recruits yes, but the hills, no. So you could then be posted in the Regt in Sigs or another sub unit, but the Sabre Sqns have a higher phys level than is required for P Coy.

Tears.
Not sure where your info was from, but the figures are short of about 60-90 people.
You may be reading Telic 1 figs, alot more have been sent, both as IR's for Gun units from the Regt Gun Troop, or as more recently formed Sqns doing the role.

Carlos - obviously we will have to agre to disagree! Worked with HAC on the Belize trip in '97 good bunch of blokes generally, but very role specific, basic skills somewhat missing, and no evidence of superman type fitness anywhere!

Remember it is HAC selection not "selection", which suggests the selection for UKSF. ..sort of harks back to the "SF Lite" and pretence of SF status really. P Coy is P Coy - plain and simple!